Campaign urges UK Government to Love the Lagoon

A rallying cry is going out to people across Swansea and beyond to show their support for the planned Tidal Lagoon.

A new community campaign called 'Love the Lagoon' is being launched today (Monday Sept 4) to demonstrate support in securing what would be the world's first tidal lagoon power plant for South Wales.

It is estimated the £1.3 billion development would create and support 2,232 jobs and contribute £316 million to the Welsh economy during construction, followed by £76 million during each of its 120 years of operation.

The campaign is urging people from all walks of life to post a short video message of support online; calling on the UK Government to announce the green light for the scheme without any further delay.

The messages will be sent to the UK Government as well as being shown on the big screen in Castle Square.

The campaign is already being supported by major businesses, politicians, sports and cultural stars and key figures in the region's tourism sector.

They include Roy Thomas, owner of Bay Studios and Swansea Airport, John Bollom of Mumbles Pier and Nigel Short, chairman of the Scarlets and director at Penderyn Distillery.

Rugby legends Jonathan Davies, Shane Williams and Alun Wyn Jones, Tourism Swansea Bay, Swansea Bay Futures and The SA1 Waterfront Business Club are among others to add their support.

Businessman Roy Thomas said: "The Tidal Lagoon is an absolute must for the region. I can't think of anything more vital towards boosting the economy at the moment. Bay Studios and Swansea Airport will do everything they can to help it happen."

Wales rugby legend Jonathan Davies said: "The Tidal Lagoon project would be great for employment, for green electricity and for sports facilities. It would be great for Swansea and for Wales."

Pier owner John Bollom said: "You only have to look at the tidal range at Swansea to realise that the proposal makes sense. We fully back this imaginative renewable energy project - and we look forward to the day when water taxis travel between the lagoon and Mumbles Pier."

Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart said: "The lagoon project would be the first of its kind in the UK and would be a real game-changer for Swansea.

"An independent report backing the project was given to the Government months ago so it's now time they gave the go ahead to this project. The clock is ticking. It has been eight months since the Hendry Review was published.

"We want to send a clear message to the UK Government showing there's widespread support for this crucial project both locally and nationally.

"This is a real community campaign where the voices of people in street can make a difference. We want people to take just a few minutes to post a short message online and send a clear message to the Government that a positive announcement is needed without delay."

The review into the lagoon headed by former energy minister Charles Hendry concluded it would be a "no regrets" option and that building a prototype lagoon in Swansea Bay was in the national interest.

Tidal Lagoon Power claims it would kick-start a new industry and that a "fleet" of larger, more cost-effective lagoons across the UK coastline could follow.

To join the campaign post your short videos of around 10 seconds in length on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #lovethelagoon or inbox the campaign page on Facebook. Follow the campaign on Facebook at facebook.com/lovethelagoon , on Twitter @lovethelagoon or Instagram @lovethelagoon